How to Make Banana Bread
Banana bread has become a very popular type among families and kids, since it is delicious, nutritious and very easy to prepare. You can serve this for breakfasts, as a dessert for guests or for your child's snacks at school. You can also save more dollars by using bananas that have ripened more than enough to be eaten independently. Here's how to begin.
Gather the Ingredients
To start, gather all the materials and ingredients you need. Take 1 3/4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 2/3 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of shortening or softened butter, some extra flour, cooking spray or butter to grease the pan and a cup of mashed bananas. Try to aim for 2 bananas mashed completely.
The Process
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease all the surfaces of the inside of the pan. Sprinkle some flour into the pan, then shake the flour around until all the sides are already covered with flour. You can ensure that the bread will come out very smoothly this way. Mash the bananas, then mix them in with the other ingredients. Mix the sugar, baking powder, flour, salt and baking soda inside a medium-sized bowl.
Add the softened butter to the flour mixture, plus the shortening, then mix everything until the mixture appears like crumbs. Add two of the eggs then continue stirring. Pour the batter into the floured and greased pan. Put the pan inside the oven, then bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes. Try to insert a toothpick into the middle of the banana bread. It should come out clean to confirm that the bread is baked well.
Final Tips
You will find that work can be easier if you use a bread pan measuring about 4 x 8 inches deep. Try to reduce the total number of times that you open the oven to check on the condition of the banana bread, since heat can escape every time you open the oven door, thereby making baking periods longer.
Use bananas that are overripe or past, characterized by a lot of brown spots on the peel. These are generally sweeter compared to ripe bananas. If the bread is browning quickly, but the center is still raw, you can cover the bread using aluminum foil. The bread will continue baking, although the browning process is slowed down. If you have extra bananas and want to make 2 or more loaves in a single session, freeze the extra loaves to prevent these from spoiling. Always use oven mitts when taking the banana bread out of the oven to keep your hand from getting burning.
Happy baking,
Renee
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
How to Make Flat Bread
How to Make Flat Bread
Flat bread is one of the easiest types of bread to make. There are different kinds available as well. You can expect to whip up a couple or more in only a few hours. You can even have fun inviting your partner or kids along to do the bread making. Flat bread can be very tasty and nutritious, while there are also others that are simple and fat-free. Here are some tips.
Making Fat-Free Flat Bread
Some of the ingredients you will need to begin include baking powder, hot water and flour. Get 1 tablespoon of baking powder for every 2 cups of flour. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. Use the dough hooks in a mixer using relatively slow speed. Add the hot water slowly until you form a thick and sticky ball. Use dry flour on both hands, on the counter and on the rolling pin to keep the dough from sticking. Hand knead the dough and be careful not to over knead.
Start forming dough balls with sizes slightly bigger compared to a golf ball. Roll the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Cook the dough immediately over medium heat or less. Flip it once after the bubbles rise in the dough. Cover the cooked fried bread using a towel until everything is ready to eat. Enjoy the flat bread and eat the same way you would a tortilla. You can deep fry it with butter or sprinkle on some sugar and cinnamon to be enjoyed as a delectable dessert.
You will find it easier to use a round cast iron griddle, although a good mixer can do a decent job. If you do not own a mixer, you can stir the contents using your hand and a sturdy wooden spoon. You can even mix using your fingers. Knead the dough briefly, not like you would a yeasted bread. The goal is just to blend the dough to create smooth consistently, instead of building gluten.
A More Versatile Recipe
Get a cup of white all-purpose flour and a cup of whole wheat flour. This recipe becomes an Indian and Mexican fusion because of the flours used. Add 1 package of dry yeast to the dry flour to keep it protected from the warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. If you want to experiment using other spices like rosemary, sesame seeds and garlic, you may add these as well. Mix all the dry ingredients very well. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the flour and spices using your hands.
Divide the dough and form evenly round balls. Measure 1 cup of hot water in a measuring cup and 1 tablespoon of molasses or honey. Add these to the dry ingredients and mix together until you form a soft ball that is not very sticky.
Allow everything to rest for 30 minutes. Make 8 to 10 small balls. Cut the dough ball into 2, then half this again. Flatten the round balls using a rolling pin. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes, while waiting for the griddle to get warm. Cook the dough using medium high heat. When the bread puffs and bubbles, flatten using a spatula and push the air bubble around the inside before you press firmly to let go of the air.
Happy baking,
Renee
Flat bread is one of the easiest types of bread to make. There are different kinds available as well. You can expect to whip up a couple or more in only a few hours. You can even have fun inviting your partner or kids along to do the bread making. Flat bread can be very tasty and nutritious, while there are also others that are simple and fat-free. Here are some tips.
Making Fat-Free Flat Bread
Some of the ingredients you will need to begin include baking powder, hot water and flour. Get 1 tablespoon of baking powder for every 2 cups of flour. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. Use the dough hooks in a mixer using relatively slow speed. Add the hot water slowly until you form a thick and sticky ball. Use dry flour on both hands, on the counter and on the rolling pin to keep the dough from sticking. Hand knead the dough and be careful not to over knead.
Start forming dough balls with sizes slightly bigger compared to a golf ball. Roll the dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Cook the dough immediately over medium heat or less. Flip it once after the bubbles rise in the dough. Cover the cooked fried bread using a towel until everything is ready to eat. Enjoy the flat bread and eat the same way you would a tortilla. You can deep fry it with butter or sprinkle on some sugar and cinnamon to be enjoyed as a delectable dessert.
You will find it easier to use a round cast iron griddle, although a good mixer can do a decent job. If you do not own a mixer, you can stir the contents using your hand and a sturdy wooden spoon. You can even mix using your fingers. Knead the dough briefly, not like you would a yeasted bread. The goal is just to blend the dough to create smooth consistently, instead of building gluten.
A More Versatile Recipe
Get a cup of white all-purpose flour and a cup of whole wheat flour. This recipe becomes an Indian and Mexican fusion because of the flours used. Add 1 package of dry yeast to the dry flour to keep it protected from the warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of sugar. If you want to experiment using other spices like rosemary, sesame seeds and garlic, you may add these as well. Mix all the dry ingredients very well. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the flour and spices using your hands.
Divide the dough and form evenly round balls. Measure 1 cup of hot water in a measuring cup and 1 tablespoon of molasses or honey. Add these to the dry ingredients and mix together until you form a soft ball that is not very sticky.
Allow everything to rest for 30 minutes. Make 8 to 10 small balls. Cut the dough ball into 2, then half this again. Flatten the round balls using a rolling pin. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes, while waiting for the griddle to get warm. Cook the dough using medium high heat. When the bread puffs and bubbles, flatten using a spatula and push the air bubble around the inside before you press firmly to let go of the air.
Happy baking,
Renee
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
How to Make White Bread
How to Make White Bread
White bread is one of the most common bread types available. It is a favorite among children and adults because of its great taste, excellent texture and form that makes it very convenient to make sandwiches and the like. You can make your own homemade white bread in just a few simple and easy steps. Discover how much more you can save and how you can boost shelf-life and overall quality.
Starting Off
Place the smooth dough ball into a clean bowl. The bowl must be coated subtly with vegetable oil. Turn the dough one time so that you leave the top part oiled. Cover the bowl using plastic wrap then position in a warm place. Wait until the dough rises to about twice its original size. Observe again after 45 minutes. Put the dough back on the floured surface then punch it down. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces then allow to rest for 5 minutes.
If you want to make a pan loaf, you can use both your hands to roll each piece into a thick cylinder. This should be a bit longer compared to the bread pan. Use the heels of your hands, then press the cylinder, compressing it to the length of the pan. Place the loaves into bread pans with some oil. The sides of the loaves, particularly the short ends, should come in contact with the sides of the pan.
Next Steps
Place a kitchen towel over the bread pans, then let the dough rise in a warm place until it becomes twice as big as its first size. Wait for about 30 to 45 minutes. Place the loaves inside the oven at 400 degrees F. Bake these for about 30 minutes, and wait until these turn golden brown. The bottoms should have a hollow sound if thwacked with your hand. Take out the pans and let the loaves cool on the racks.
When Mixing the Dough
First, sprinkle the yeast over warm water in a measuring cup. Mix salt, 5 cups of flour and sugar together inside a big bowl. Add yeast mixture, milk and oil to the dry ingredients then stir until the dough moves away from the bowl sides. Begin by stirring everything using a wooden spoon. You will have to proceed to using your hands after a few minutes. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, then knead for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a lot of flour, as needed if you feel that the dough is still sticky. Form the dough into a big ball.
Final Advice
Yeast requires a warm environment of about 100 to 110 degrees F to begin growing. A very warm environment of about 115 degrees F will kill the yeast. If you think the water is warm enough, but not hot, this setup is ideal. Bread flour contains more gluten compared to all-purpose flour and will lead to a higher loaf. Gluten is a wheat protein that lets the dough rise well. You can substitute all-purpose flour using this. Do not forget the salt to avoid the loaf from rising very quickly then falling.
Happy baking,
Renee
White bread is one of the most common bread types available. It is a favorite among children and adults because of its great taste, excellent texture and form that makes it very convenient to make sandwiches and the like. You can make your own homemade white bread in just a few simple and easy steps. Discover how much more you can save and how you can boost shelf-life and overall quality.
Starting Off
Place the smooth dough ball into a clean bowl. The bowl must be coated subtly with vegetable oil. Turn the dough one time so that you leave the top part oiled. Cover the bowl using plastic wrap then position in a warm place. Wait until the dough rises to about twice its original size. Observe again after 45 minutes. Put the dough back on the floured surface then punch it down. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces then allow to rest for 5 minutes.
If you want to make a pan loaf, you can use both your hands to roll each piece into a thick cylinder. This should be a bit longer compared to the bread pan. Use the heels of your hands, then press the cylinder, compressing it to the length of the pan. Place the loaves into bread pans with some oil. The sides of the loaves, particularly the short ends, should come in contact with the sides of the pan.
Next Steps
Place a kitchen towel over the bread pans, then let the dough rise in a warm place until it becomes twice as big as its first size. Wait for about 30 to 45 minutes. Place the loaves inside the oven at 400 degrees F. Bake these for about 30 minutes, and wait until these turn golden brown. The bottoms should have a hollow sound if thwacked with your hand. Take out the pans and let the loaves cool on the racks.
When Mixing the Dough
First, sprinkle the yeast over warm water in a measuring cup. Mix salt, 5 cups of flour and sugar together inside a big bowl. Add yeast mixture, milk and oil to the dry ingredients then stir until the dough moves away from the bowl sides. Begin by stirring everything using a wooden spoon. You will have to proceed to using your hands after a few minutes. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, then knead for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a lot of flour, as needed if you feel that the dough is still sticky. Form the dough into a big ball.
Final Advice
Yeast requires a warm environment of about 100 to 110 degrees F to begin growing. A very warm environment of about 115 degrees F will kill the yeast. If you think the water is warm enough, but not hot, this setup is ideal. Bread flour contains more gluten compared to all-purpose flour and will lead to a higher loaf. Gluten is a wheat protein that lets the dough rise well. You can substitute all-purpose flour using this. Do not forget the salt to avoid the loaf from rising very quickly then falling.
Happy baking,
Renee
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sourdough Bread Making
Sourdough Bread Making
You can easily make sourdough to give your bread that distinct sour taste. You will find that there are also other of good sources for it like your local grocery store or online. Over time, the process becomes easier, since you already have a pattern of making more to last you for several years. Here are some tried and proven tips to get you started.
To Begin
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 2 cups of warm water and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Mix the sugar, yeast and flour in a clean container. Stir the water in and mix continuously until you make a thick paste. Take a dish cloth to cover the container and let it sit at 80 degrees F. The dish cloth will allow wild yeasts to go through into the batter. The mixture will start to bubble as the fermentation process begins. You will notice foam building up as it develops.
You can put the container in the sink. Sourdough can be difficult to clean after it has spilled out onto the counter and dried. Let the mixture sit out anywhere between 2 and 5 days. You can stir it once a day. The starter will be ready when it develops a good sour smell and appears bubbly. As soon as the starter begins to bubble, you can begin feeding it once a day with water and flour according to the directions given. Stir everything in the mix, then cover with a plastic wrap loosely. Provide some breathing room and store on the counter top or inside the refrigerator.
Feeding the Starter
The sourdough starter should be fed daily if you leave it sitting on the counter. You should feed it every other week if kept refrigerated. For counter top stored sourdough starters, remove 1 cup of starter once a day and substitute with a cup of warm water (about 105 to 115 degrees F), plus a cup of flour. Let everything sit for a few hours. Cover the mixture to become active before you use it to make bread.
Refrigerated Sourdough
Refrigerator stored sourdough starters can consume a lot of time and should be fed everyday. You may need another person to continue feeding the starter if you are going out of town for a few days. If you decide to use the starter. Take it out of the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature. It might take a whole night to make this work. Feed it with a cup of water and a cup of flour. Let everything sit for 8 hours or overnight. You may now use it for different sourdough recipes.
If you have stored sourdough starter in the refrigerator for a few months, you may need to feed it 2 to 3 times to activate. Take it out of the fridge 2 to 3 days before using it for baking. Continue the feeding process everyday. If you believe that the sourdough has turned very sour, throw everything away except for a single cup. Add 2 cups of water and 2 cups of flour. Allow it to ferment for 1 day.
Happy baking,
Renee
You can easily make sourdough to give your bread that distinct sour taste. You will find that there are also other of good sources for it like your local grocery store or online. Over time, the process becomes easier, since you already have a pattern of making more to last you for several years. Here are some tried and proven tips to get you started.
To Begin
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 2 cups of warm water and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Mix the sugar, yeast and flour in a clean container. Stir the water in and mix continuously until you make a thick paste. Take a dish cloth to cover the container and let it sit at 80 degrees F. The dish cloth will allow wild yeasts to go through into the batter. The mixture will start to bubble as the fermentation process begins. You will notice foam building up as it develops.
You can put the container in the sink. Sourdough can be difficult to clean after it has spilled out onto the counter and dried. Let the mixture sit out anywhere between 2 and 5 days. You can stir it once a day. The starter will be ready when it develops a good sour smell and appears bubbly. As soon as the starter begins to bubble, you can begin feeding it once a day with water and flour according to the directions given. Stir everything in the mix, then cover with a plastic wrap loosely. Provide some breathing room and store on the counter top or inside the refrigerator.
Feeding the Starter
The sourdough starter should be fed daily if you leave it sitting on the counter. You should feed it every other week if kept refrigerated. For counter top stored sourdough starters, remove 1 cup of starter once a day and substitute with a cup of warm water (about 105 to 115 degrees F), plus a cup of flour. Let everything sit for a few hours. Cover the mixture to become active before you use it to make bread.
Refrigerated Sourdough
Refrigerator stored sourdough starters can consume a lot of time and should be fed everyday. You may need another person to continue feeding the starter if you are going out of town for a few days. If you decide to use the starter. Take it out of the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature. It might take a whole night to make this work. Feed it with a cup of water and a cup of flour. Let everything sit for 8 hours or overnight. You may now use it for different sourdough recipes.
If you have stored sourdough starter in the refrigerator for a few months, you may need to feed it 2 to 3 times to activate. Take it out of the fridge 2 to 3 days before using it for baking. Continue the feeding process everyday. If you believe that the sourdough has turned very sour, throw everything away except for a single cup. Add 2 cups of water and 2 cups of flour. Allow it to ferment for 1 day.
Happy baking,
Renee
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Sourdough Starter Recipe
The Sourdough Starter Recipe
Sourdough started about 6,000 years ago when human found out how to boost the leavening and fermentation of grains to be brewed into drinks or baked into bread. A portion of the fermented grains were then saved by people in the past to begin the fermentation of the next batch of bread. Sourdough was then born from this recurring practice. The saved part is now referred to as a sourdough starter. The bread made from the mix is called sourdough bread.
What is Sourdough?
A sourdough starter is described as a natural leaven, or a mix of liquid and grains where wild yeasts and bacteria thrive to flavor and leaven the bread dough. The yeasts thrive naturally on the grain surface, in the air or soil and in fruits and vegetables. The bacteria are specific strains of the benign bacteria Lactobacillus.
Yeast and lactobacilli live peacefully in a symbiotic relationship. Both do not try to get food from each other. Yeast actually helps feed lactobacilli in certain cases. Lactobacilli, in turn, create an acidic area that is conducive for the yeast. The acids inside the culture will serve as an antibiotic wherein the lactobacilli can provide a protective environment for yeast. Lactobacilli help bread rise as well. Similar to yeast, the bacteria digest simple sugars located in flour to produce carbon dioxide and ethanol. The acetic and lactic acids created add flavor to the bread, having a wide array of flavors. In certain periods, the bread can have a sour tang because of sourdough.
The Recipe
The ingredients you will need are 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet or 2.25 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar and 2 cups of warm water (about 110 to 115 degrees F). You can also get good results by using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat start will not have a lot of rising action compared to something made with white flour. You have to plan longer rising periods. Adding whole wheat flour together with white flour can also be done to cut rising time.
More Tips
If you add some sugar, you will boost the yeast process. Yeast feeds on sugar to get extra energy. Yeast will rise by feeding on the sugars inside the flour and getting rid of carbon dioxide in the process. Do not put in too much sugar, however. If the water you use has chlorine, you can use bottled water, tap water or distilled water instead. Make sure you set this out for 1 days before you make the starter. Chlorine can cease the yeast development.
Mix the yeast, sugar and flour together in a sterile container. Ideally, you should only use ceramic or glass to contain 2 quarts. Stir in the water and continue mixing until you create a thick paste. Cover the container using a dish cloth and allow to sit at 70 to 80 degrees F. Temperatures higher than 100 degrees F usually kill the yeast. Observe how the yeast rises as you finish the process for optimum results.
Happy baking,
Renee
Sourdough started about 6,000 years ago when human found out how to boost the leavening and fermentation of grains to be brewed into drinks or baked into bread. A portion of the fermented grains were then saved by people in the past to begin the fermentation of the next batch of bread. Sourdough was then born from this recurring practice. The saved part is now referred to as a sourdough starter. The bread made from the mix is called sourdough bread.
What is Sourdough?
A sourdough starter is described as a natural leaven, or a mix of liquid and grains where wild yeasts and bacteria thrive to flavor and leaven the bread dough. The yeasts thrive naturally on the grain surface, in the air or soil and in fruits and vegetables. The bacteria are specific strains of the benign bacteria Lactobacillus.
Yeast and lactobacilli live peacefully in a symbiotic relationship. Both do not try to get food from each other. Yeast actually helps feed lactobacilli in certain cases. Lactobacilli, in turn, create an acidic area that is conducive for the yeast. The acids inside the culture will serve as an antibiotic wherein the lactobacilli can provide a protective environment for yeast. Lactobacilli help bread rise as well. Similar to yeast, the bacteria digest simple sugars located in flour to produce carbon dioxide and ethanol. The acetic and lactic acids created add flavor to the bread, having a wide array of flavors. In certain periods, the bread can have a sour tang because of sourdough.
The Recipe
The ingredients you will need are 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet or 2.25 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar and 2 cups of warm water (about 110 to 115 degrees F). You can also get good results by using whole wheat flour. Whole wheat start will not have a lot of rising action compared to something made with white flour. You have to plan longer rising periods. Adding whole wheat flour together with white flour can also be done to cut rising time.
More Tips
If you add some sugar, you will boost the yeast process. Yeast feeds on sugar to get extra energy. Yeast will rise by feeding on the sugars inside the flour and getting rid of carbon dioxide in the process. Do not put in too much sugar, however. If the water you use has chlorine, you can use bottled water, tap water or distilled water instead. Make sure you set this out for 1 days before you make the starter. Chlorine can cease the yeast development.
Mix the yeast, sugar and flour together in a sterile container. Ideally, you should only use ceramic or glass to contain 2 quarts. Stir in the water and continue mixing until you create a thick paste. Cover the container using a dish cloth and allow to sit at 70 to 80 degrees F. Temperatures higher than 100 degrees F usually kill the yeast. Observe how the yeast rises as you finish the process for optimum results.
Happy baking,
Renee
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Comparing Sourdough and Sourbread
Comparing Sourdough and Sourbread
Originally, sourdough points to the cultures of various microbes located in the San Francisco area. Later on, the term refers to miners who brought sourdough starters everywhere they go. In recent periods, the growth of huge-scale commercial baking, plus the invention of different dough flavouring agents, led to sourdough referring to any type of sour bread, regardless of whether it is leavened with natural leaven starter or using commercial baker's yeast. The term may confuse a number of individuals, but knowing the details and understanding how it is made can better improve your technique.
The Differences
Sourdough starter is a culture of natural or wild yeast, together with lactobacilli in a medium of liquid and flour. It is propagated using ongoing feedings or refreshments with the sole purpose of leavening bread dough. It is ongoing and continues from one activation or bake to another. Sourdough bread has been leavened using a sourdough starter. It may or may not be a sour bread, based on the characteristics of the starter.
Sourdough is the term used to describe the natural leaven of natural or wild yeast and lactobacilli. It is the process of leavening bread using a natural leaven. The yeasted starter describes the starter that has the commercial bakers' yeast.
Being Sour
Sour bread, also known as faux sourdough, describes any kind of bread that has the sour flavor, because of a flavouring agent like souring salts, ingredients like vinegar or yogurt or process that does not include a natural leaven starter or a sourdough.
Sourdough bread does not have need to be sour bread. Sourdough bread can be very sour, although it is also normal for it not to be sour. It can be subtly flavored using delicious and rich wheaty flavors. With sourdough, the level of sourness will depend on several factors like the kind of grains, temperature, length of fermentation, specific yeast strains and lactobacilli and the amount of water.
About Hooch
As the starter is left in the refrigerator, the mixture will begin to separate, leading to a layer of liquid forming at the top. The liquid will have about 12 to 14 percent alcohol. Hooch is described as the alcoholic by-product of the process of fermentation. This is will feature a unique brownish color. The alcohol dissipates while baking. You can stir the liquid back into the starter before you use it. Hooch can build up in the starter, especially if you keep it in the refrigerator. You can pour it or stir it back inside. You can mix the hooch back in if the sourdough starter is on the dry area. Throw it away if the starter is very moist.
Natural Leavens
Starters created using commercial bakers' yeast are not natural leavens. These are actually yeasted starters that do not produce the same results in terms of shelf-life, flavor and texture like natural leaven starters. It is possible that a yeasted starter can be taken over using natural yeasts and changing it into a natural leaven.
Happy baking,
Renee
Originally, sourdough points to the cultures of various microbes located in the San Francisco area. Later on, the term refers to miners who brought sourdough starters everywhere they go. In recent periods, the growth of huge-scale commercial baking, plus the invention of different dough flavouring agents, led to sourdough referring to any type of sour bread, regardless of whether it is leavened with natural leaven starter or using commercial baker's yeast. The term may confuse a number of individuals, but knowing the details and understanding how it is made can better improve your technique.
The Differences
Sourdough starter is a culture of natural or wild yeast, together with lactobacilli in a medium of liquid and flour. It is propagated using ongoing feedings or refreshments with the sole purpose of leavening bread dough. It is ongoing and continues from one activation or bake to another. Sourdough bread has been leavened using a sourdough starter. It may or may not be a sour bread, based on the characteristics of the starter.
Sourdough is the term used to describe the natural leaven of natural or wild yeast and lactobacilli. It is the process of leavening bread using a natural leaven. The yeasted starter describes the starter that has the commercial bakers' yeast.
Being Sour
Sour bread, also known as faux sourdough, describes any kind of bread that has the sour flavor, because of a flavouring agent like souring salts, ingredients like vinegar or yogurt or process that does not include a natural leaven starter or a sourdough.
Sourdough bread does not have need to be sour bread. Sourdough bread can be very sour, although it is also normal for it not to be sour. It can be subtly flavored using delicious and rich wheaty flavors. With sourdough, the level of sourness will depend on several factors like the kind of grains, temperature, length of fermentation, specific yeast strains and lactobacilli and the amount of water.
About Hooch
As the starter is left in the refrigerator, the mixture will begin to separate, leading to a layer of liquid forming at the top. The liquid will have about 12 to 14 percent alcohol. Hooch is described as the alcoholic by-product of the process of fermentation. This is will feature a unique brownish color. The alcohol dissipates while baking. You can stir the liquid back into the starter before you use it. Hooch can build up in the starter, especially if you keep it in the refrigerator. You can pour it or stir it back inside. You can mix the hooch back in if the sourdough starter is on the dry area. Throw it away if the starter is very moist.
Natural Leavens
Starters created using commercial bakers' yeast are not natural leavens. These are actually yeasted starters that do not produce the same results in terms of shelf-life, flavor and texture like natural leaven starters. It is possible that a yeasted starter can be taken over using natural yeasts and changing it into a natural leaven.
Happy baking,
Renee
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sourdough Starters and Bread Recipes
Sourdough Starters and Bread Recipes
Sourdough used to be made using wild yeasts. The wild yeasts, particularly in San Francisco create a special flavor in breads. A number of sourdoughs are actually hundreds of years old. The starter or sponge is described as a water and flour mixture that has the yeast used to rise the bread. You can get dried versions of these too and activate these. You can make your own sourdough starters by acquiring local wild yeasts.
About Yeast Measurements
When using different kinds of yeasts in bread making recipes, you have to ensure that the conversion is accurate. Multiply the amount of instant yeast by 3 to get the corresponding amount of fresh yeast. Multiply the amount of active dry yeast by 2.5 to get the corresponding amount of fresh yeast. Multiply the amount of instant yeast by 1.25 to get the corresponding amount of active dry yeast.
More Info
The expiration date of yeast is printed on the package. Yeast can expire, and usually lasts longer than the date printed on the packet if it is kept inside the refrigerator. I can last longer if placed inside the freezer. Testing yeast can be done using sugar. To test, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to the yeast when stirring it into the water to dissolve. If the yeast foams and bubbles within 10 minutes, the yeast is described as active and alive.
The Yeast Starter
You can easily make your own yeast start by taking equal parts of water and flour. Mix them together and leave everything in a warm location. Leave the mixture for 2 days. Afterwards, the starter should appear frothy. The flour and water should have developed by then. The water will also have a distinct smell at the top. This will be the starter of wild yeast.
Making Sourdough Starters
To make sourdough starters, take a cup of starter from a known bakery. Add water and flour to the starter to make more. The starter can go on for decades. You can make the sourdough starter using normally packaged yeast that you can purchase at a local dealer. You can also purchase packaged sourdough starter mix at the grocery. The internet actually now has several dealers and sellers of sourdough starter mixes. All you need to do is make the order, pay the seller through money transfer or credit card, and have the item shipped right to your doorstep in a few days.
Using the Starters
Make sure you save up some of the homemade starters so you can continue developing these for months and years to come. You will need the yeasts and sourdoughs depending on the type of bread you want to make. You will find that these also lead to certain features and characteristics, depending on how much you put in and the kind of ingredients that you add to the mix. Make sure you also place the starters in the right container, so that these do not expire and you retain the properties that lead to quality and great taste.
Happy baking,
Renee
Sourdough used to be made using wild yeasts. The wild yeasts, particularly in San Francisco create a special flavor in breads. A number of sourdoughs are actually hundreds of years old. The starter or sponge is described as a water and flour mixture that has the yeast used to rise the bread. You can get dried versions of these too and activate these. You can make your own sourdough starters by acquiring local wild yeasts.
About Yeast Measurements
When using different kinds of yeasts in bread making recipes, you have to ensure that the conversion is accurate. Multiply the amount of instant yeast by 3 to get the corresponding amount of fresh yeast. Multiply the amount of active dry yeast by 2.5 to get the corresponding amount of fresh yeast. Multiply the amount of instant yeast by 1.25 to get the corresponding amount of active dry yeast.
More Info
The expiration date of yeast is printed on the package. Yeast can expire, and usually lasts longer than the date printed on the packet if it is kept inside the refrigerator. I can last longer if placed inside the freezer. Testing yeast can be done using sugar. To test, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to the yeast when stirring it into the water to dissolve. If the yeast foams and bubbles within 10 minutes, the yeast is described as active and alive.
The Yeast Starter
You can easily make your own yeast start by taking equal parts of water and flour. Mix them together and leave everything in a warm location. Leave the mixture for 2 days. Afterwards, the starter should appear frothy. The flour and water should have developed by then. The water will also have a distinct smell at the top. This will be the starter of wild yeast.
Making Sourdough Starters
To make sourdough starters, take a cup of starter from a known bakery. Add water and flour to the starter to make more. The starter can go on for decades. You can make the sourdough starter using normally packaged yeast that you can purchase at a local dealer. You can also purchase packaged sourdough starter mix at the grocery. The internet actually now has several dealers and sellers of sourdough starter mixes. All you need to do is make the order, pay the seller through money transfer or credit card, and have the item shipped right to your doorstep in a few days.
Using the Starters
Make sure you save up some of the homemade starters so you can continue developing these for months and years to come. You will need the yeasts and sourdoughs depending on the type of bread you want to make. You will find that these also lead to certain features and characteristics, depending on how much you put in and the kind of ingredients that you add to the mix. Make sure you also place the starters in the right container, so that these do not expire and you retain the properties that lead to quality and great taste.
Happy baking,
Renee
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